Black Soldier Fly larvae in broiler diets improve broiler performance and modulate the immune system

Author(s)
de Souza Vilela, Jessica
Andronicos, Nicholas M
Kolakshyapati, Manisha
Hilliar, Matthew
Sibanda, Terence Z
Andrew, Nigel R
Swick, Robert A
Wilkinson, Stuart
Ruhnke, Isabelle
Publication Date
2021-09
Abstract
Non-conventional feed ingredients are receiving more interest in their ability to increase farming efficiency, sustainability and animal performance. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal rate of inclusion level of the full-fat black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) in broiler diets and to evaluate their impact on performance, nutrient digestibility, and the immune system (blood cells and intraepithelial lymphocytes). A total of 400 male day-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly assigned to 5 treatment groups with 8 replicates each. Five inclusion levels of full-fat BSFL were investigated across starter (0, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5% and 10%), grower and finisher diets (0, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%). All diets were formulated based on digestible amino acid values according to the Aviagen (2016) recommendations. A polynomial regression at different degrees was performed to analyse broiler performance parameters (body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio), nutrient digestibility, and blood cell count. Intraepithelial lymphocyte population data was analysed performing univariate linear regression. During the entire experimental period (from 2 to 42 d), BSFL inclusion levels decreased the feed conversion ratio by 10% in broilers that received 20% BSFL in their diets (<i>P</i> < 0.05). Lymphocytes and white blood cell count decreased linearly by 47.7% and 35.9%, respectively, with up to 20% BSFL inclusion (<i>P</i> < 0.001). A 4-fold decrease in CD3+ T lymphocytes and a 9.7-fold decrease of CD3+CD8+ intestinal cytotoxic T lymphocytes occurred in broilers fed 20% BSFL compared to the control group. These findings suggest that the inclusion of BSFL can improve broiler performance and potentially reduce immune response energy expenditure in birds fed 20% BSFL for 42 d.
Citation
Animal Nutrition, 7(3), p. 695-706
ISSN
2405-6383
2405-6545
Link
Language
en
Publisher
Zhongguo Xumu Shouyi Xuehui, Chinese Association of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine
Rights
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International
Title
Black Soldier Fly larvae in broiler diets improve broiler performance and modulate the immune system
Type of document
Journal Article
Entity Type
Publication

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